Is there salmon fishing in Breiddalur?

Yes, the Breiðdalsá river is one of East Iceland's best salmon rivers. The fishing season runs from June to September. Permits are required and can be purchased through local fishing associations. The river also holds arctic char and brown trout.

What can you do in Breiðdalsvík?

Breiðdalsvík is a small fishing village at the mouth of the valley with about 200 residents. It has a guesthouse, a local museum, a swimming pool, and a café. It's a good base for exploring the valley and the surrounding East Fjords coastline.

What are the two sub-valleys of Breiddalur?

Breiðdalur splits into Norðurdalur (North Valley) and Suðurdalur (South Valley) further inland. Both sub-valleys have grassy farmland, rivers, and quiet hiking through traditional Icelandic countryside.

When is the best time to visit Breiddalur?

June to August is the best window: the warmest weather, the salmon fishing season, and the best road conditions. The valley is accessible year-round via Route 95, but winter weather can make driving challenging.

How do I get to Breiddalur?

Breiðdalur is reached via Route 95, which connects Egilsstaðir to the East Fjords coast. The drive from Egilsstaðir takes about 1.5 hours. The road is paved and suitable for regular cars. The nearest airport is Egilsstaðir.

Breiddalur (Breiðdalur): East Iceland's Widest Valley

Breiðdalur (Wide Valley)

Last reviewed March 3, 2026By the Iceland.org travel deskEditorial policy

The largest valley in the East Fjords, home to the fishing village Breiðdalsvík. Known for salmon-rich rivers, sheep farming, and mountain scenery.

Region

East Iceland

Best time: June – August

Breiðdalur, meaning "Wide Valley," is the largest valley in the East Fjords region. The salmon-rich Breiðdalsá river runs through grassy countryside used for sheep farming. Further inland the valley splits into the Norðurdalur and Suðurdalur sub-valleys, both quiet farming country. The fishing village of Breiðdalsvík sits at the valley's mouth.

Sources and last reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03

Roads in the valley are generally well-maintained. Check weather forecasts before mountain hikes, as conditions can change quickly in the East Fjords.

Pages are reviewed for practical usefulness, source quality, and volatile claims before publication.

Official sources to check

Size

Largest valley

The biggest valley in the East Fjords region

Fishing

Salmon river

Breiðdalsá, one of East Iceland's best

Best Season

Jun–Aug

Warmest weather and salmon season

Village

Breiðdalsvík

Fishing village at the valley's mouth

Geology

Ancient Caldera

The valley sits within a collapsed volcanic caldera, visible in the surrounding rock layers

Hiking

Sub-Valleys

Several side valleys branch off with trails through diverse landscapes and river gorges

Key Highlights

Breiðdalsvík Village

Small fishing village with local services, a museum, and a swimming pool

Salmon Fishing

The Breiðdalsá river holds Atlantic salmon, arctic char, and trout

Sheep Farming

Traditional Icelandic sheep farming in grassy countryside

Two Sub-Valleys

Norðurdalur and Suðurdalur branch inland with peaceful mountain scenery

How to Get There

Access via Route 95 from the Ring Road at Breiðdalsheiði pass in East Iceland
About 80 km (1.5 hours) south of Egilsstaðir via Route 1 and then Route 95
Breiðdalsvík village at the valley mouth has fuel, a small store, and accommodation
The valley road continues inland through farming country
Egilsstaðir Airport offers domestic flights from Reykjavik, shortening the journey considerably

Best Time to Visit

June-August: Best fishing season for Atlantic salmon in the Breiðdalsá river
July: Peak summer with midnight sun, wildflowers in the valley meadows, 8-15°C
September: Autumn colors in the valley's birch patches, reindeer sometimes visible
October-May: Valley accessible but services in Breiðdalsvík may be limited
Late June: River conditions are usually at their best for fly fishing

Planning help

Breiddalur FAQs

Quick answers with safety notes where it matters.

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